Denise Smith, LCSW, CA | Psychotherapist

About Denise Smith

Focus areas

Addiction / Substance Abuse

Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Depression

Anger Management

Behavioral Therapy

Divorce Counseling

Anxiety

Childhood Trauma

Clientele seen

Children (<13)

Teenagers (13-17)

Young adults (18-24)

Families

Adults (25-64)

Treatment approaches

Art Therapy

Dialectical (DBT)

Attachment-based

EMDR

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Experiential Therapy

Identity

Gender

Female

Faith

Christian

Ethnicity

Indigenous American or Alaska Native

Languages spoken

English

Getting to know Denise Smith

Hi there, I'm Denise! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults with various mental health and substance abuse issues, in various clinical settings. I have a very informal, down-to-earth, and at times unconventional approach to therapy. My focus I use not only the traditional therapeutic approaches, but also EMDR, Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, Attachment-based modalities, and Trauma-Informed care. I have developed mental health and substance abuse programs/curricula for high-risk youth and Native American youth. My approach I create a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients can unpack their experiences without feeling rushed or dismissed. My approach is client-centered, collaborative, culturally sensitive, and growth-focused. I will tailor each session to your unique needs and goals. I also assist parents in strengthening family relationships and parenting skills. My communication style I am down-to-earth and genuine; basically, what you see is what you get. I like infusing humor when possible and when it is appropriate. However, I can also be direct, blunt, no-nonsense, compassionate, and empathetic at times when it is needed. My journey to mental healthcare Like most of us who go into the helping professions, I have had my own set of experiences/traumas throughout my life. These real-life experiences have been instrumental in my ability to help my clients. Sometimes our best lessons come from our life experiences and the lessons we learned from them, as opposed to what we learn in books/school. My goals for you Together, we will explore the root causes of your current challenges/stressors, come up with realistic goals, and a plan to move forward on your healing journey. We will discuss barriers to reaching your goals and create a plan on how to best manage them. Our first session Our first session will be an opportunity to get to know each other.

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Areas of expertise

This doctor's experience enhances their expertise in similar cases. Below are the conditions or surgeries they treat most frequently.

Depression

Anxiety disorders

Depression

Anxiety disorders

Education and background

Practice names

Rula Health - San Diego

Education and training

California State University, Sacramento, Master's in Social Work

NPI number

1083702328

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Frequently asked questions

How soon can I make an appointment with Denise Smith?

Generally, Denise Smith has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Denise Smith's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.

Is Denise Smith accepting new patients?

Denise Smith generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Denise Smith's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.

Does Denise Smith accept my insurance?

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Can I make an appointment with Denise Smith online?

Yes, you can make an appointment online with Denise Smith using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.

What practice does Denise Smith work with?

Denise Smith works with Rula Health - San Diego.

What are common reasons for patients to see Denise Smith?

Denise Smith frequently sees patients for Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Depression, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, and Therapy. You can see other visit reasons for Denise Smith on their profile.